Image source, LBC

And while we're on the subject of Boris Johnson, here's the full story of his comments about backing EU referendum freedom for ministers. 

Boris Johnson had been asked on his LBC phone-in show if Zac Goldsmith would be his choice to succeed him. 

He'd replied that it would be "totally wrong" to "blight anybody's candidacy by offering any kind of endorsement". 

In the letter being sent to constituents (complete with a postage-paid voting paper) Mr Goldsmith says he intends to improve transport and high streets and create a healthier environment. The deadline for them to respond is 22 June. 

He also  tells the Evening Standard, external that he intends to stop a third runway being built at Heathrow if he takes over from Boris Johnson. 

There had been speculation that Zac Goldsmith would throw his hat in the ring. 

This article in the Spectator , external set out just why the MP is the choice of many senior Conservatives.

And even before announced his intentions today, he was declared by bookies William Hill to be the favourite to secure the Conservative candidacy. 

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The Richmond Park MP says he is going to give his constituents a say in whether or not he runs before making his final decision. 

Speaking about that move - estimated to be costing tens of thousands of pounds - he told the Evening Standard: 

Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith has told the Evening Standard, external he wants to stand for nomination to become Mayor of London. 

The Spectator

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How did David Cameron get into such a mess on Europe so quickly, asks Isabel Hardman in the Spectator. 

She has produced a guide, external - "for those whose heads are still spinning" - on the "anatomy of David Cameron's European U-turn". 

Boris Johnson also spoke about HSBC's plans to cut 8,000 UK jobs .

"It's one of the reasons why I urge people not to get into senseless banker bashing and not to attack financial services and imagine they're the root of all evil," he says. 

"They are big employers in our city and I hope very much that people will recognise that and London will always be a great global centre of commerce."

HSBC has "got to make some tough decisions, like all banks", he adds.

LBC

What are the top three qualities a Mayor of London needs to have? 

"A lot of energy," says Boris Johnson. Also a keen eye for the value of money, and "you've got to love the job". 

LBC

What about the possible candidates to take over from Boris Johnson as Mayor of London. 

Upon being asked about the chances of former England footballer Sol Campbell, the Uxbridge MP says there should be the "widest and strongest possible field". 

"Obviously, Sol Campbell would be a great addition to that line up and we'll have to see if he catches the selectors' eye," he says. 

Asked if Zac Goldsmith was his choice to become mayor, Mr Johnson says: "I've read all sorts of names in this context and I think it would be totally wrong of me to blight anybody's candidacy by offering any kind of endorsement." 

LBC

Image source, LBC

Boris Johnson says the government should recommend a no vote in the EU referendum unless David Cameron can negotiate a treaty change that means foreigners must wait four years before claiming benefits in Britain.

"Unless we can get treaty change to prevent migrant workers from being able to access benefits before they've been here for four years obviously there would be no alternative but to recommend a no," he says. 

Mr Johnson also said national parliaments should be able to "hold up the yellow card" and stop unnecessary legislation and regulation and called for reform of the single market. 

LBC

And what does the London Mayor think about the subject of a free vote on the EU referendum for ministers?

Boris Johnson says, admitting this is "on the spur of the moment", that it would be "safer and more harmonious to say, 'okay, make your minds up'."

"Do you really need to bind everyone in? There will be different views," he ponders.   

He had initially said it was a "matter for the prime minister and the government to decide" when asked about the free vote issue but then added: "I don't see why not myself, but we seem to have been around the houses a bit on this." 

LBC

Boris Johnson has moved on to the hot topic of the EU referendum. 

He says there is "no point going into a negotiation like this unless you're prepared to walk away". 

If Prime Minister David Cameron did not get what he wanted, and what he had given the UK public an undertaking to achieve, then there would be a recommendation for a no vote, he says. 

Mr Johnson describes the referendum as a "huge opportunity" for Britain. 

LBC

Image source, LBC

The Mayor of London is taking part in his weekly Ask Boris, external show on LBC. 

Boris Johnson has been talking about the city's policing, saying there have been "considerable" falls in crime, and that officers "have every reason to be incredibly proud of what they're achieving in London". 

He was asked why he isn't doing more to fund and support the capital's police - but says there should be a high number of police on the streets and that they should be visible, and that his party has achieved that and will continue to achieve it. 

Mr Johnson also says he is sorry for the impact of the cycling superhighway on drivers but says the city needs it. He won't say if they will be forced to use it but that they would be "mad" not to. 

He claims that cycling in London is "safer than it ever has been before". 

The funeral of former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy will take place on Friday, his family has said.

A Mass will be celebrated at noon at St John's Roman Catholic Church in Caol, near his Fort William home.

There is also to be a memorial service at the University of Glasgow on 18 June and another in London at a later date.

Mr Kennedy died a week ago at the age of 55 after suffering a major haemorrhage as a result of a long battle with alcoholism.

You can read more here.

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A new law could see the use of e-cigarettes banned in enclosed places - such as restaurants, pubs and at work - in Wales.  

The plan, likely to come into force in 2017 and the first in the UK, has already divided opinion among health and medical groups, including some anti-smoking campaigners.

But ministers say it is a "balance of risk" and will stop children smoking.

Read the story here - and BBC health editor Hugh Pym has written more here.

In case you missed it last night, the bill which proposes further powers for Scotland has passed its first parliamentary hurdle without a vote.

The Scotland Bill was given its second reading in the Commons with no need for a division.

The proposals now move on to the committee stage, when MPs will be able to propose and debate amendments. 

There is more on the story here.

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Police in Scotland are understood to be investigating claims Labour peer Lord Janner abused a boy there in the 1970s. Det Ch Supt Lesley Boal said Police Scotland officers were investigating a historical complaint - but did not confirm a name.

Lord Janner was accused of abuse allegations during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s - but was deemed unfit to stand trial in England because of dementia. The former MP has consistently denied all allegations against him.

Read more here.